Coins of Zakynthos

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Contents

Origin

During the 8th century B.C., gold was being mined from the island of Zakynthos in ancient Greece, and from this gold some coins were stamped with a swastika on one side, signifying good fortune, and on the other side the head of a Nemean lion, representing wealth and power.

Charismatics

Because of the high value and rarity of the coins many people die attempting to obtain them. At the same time, skin contact with these coins exposes the holder to dangerously high levels of arsenic and mercury. This impacts the central nervous system, and the resulting symptoms cause this person to feel a rush of power and control, as well as an urge to carry the coins as a good luck charm.

Historically, those who held the coins gained charismatic influence over other men. When the Greek empire fell, the coins fell into the Romans' hands. The coins had a devastating effect on whoever possessed them. The coins then made their way to China during the Han dynasty and were then lost for several centuries. The coins again resurfaced during the Third Reich (The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis).

At some point or another, the Grimms gained control of the coins. Grimms happen to possess the self-control required in order to resist some of the effects of these coins and have taken great care to protect the public from the coins; however, it is worth noting that Grimms are seen as somewhat of a race of monsters to other Wesen. Kelly Burkhardt (Nick's mother) was the most recent known guardian of the coins until she was discovered and believed murdered for them in 1994.

Kimura followed a false lead on Farley Kolt before arriving in Portland to hunt for the coins. He searched the homes of Renard, Hank, and Nick. He killed Renard's maid, Patty and nearly beat Renard to death. In Nick's home, Kelly Burkhardt stunned him by injecting him with something, and he was taken by the Portland Police to jail where he was later killed in his cell by eating a poisoned sandwich.

Destruction

The coins may only be destroyed on the Island of Zakynthos where they were forged. ("Bad Teeth")